This week -- Published April 10, 2014

Deloris Van Cartier wants to become a theatrical diva. After she witnesses a crime, though, police hide her in, of all places, a convent. Despite the Mother Superior's reservations, she helps the other sisters discover their voices while relocating her own vocal prowess. "Sister Act" has been described as a "sparkling tribute...

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By The Record

recordnet.com

By The Record

Posted Apr. 10, 2014 at 12:01 AM

By The Record
Posted Apr. 10, 2014 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

Theater: "Sister Act"

Deloris Van Cartier wants to become a theatrical diva. After she witnesses a crime, though, police hide her in, of all places, a convent. Despite the Mother Superior's reservations, she helps the other sisters discover their voices while relocating her own vocal prowess. "Sister Act" has been described as a "sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship." The music was written by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken ("Beauty and the Beast," "The Little Mermaid" and "Little Shop of Horrors"). 2 and 8 p.m.; also 2 and 8 p.m. Sat.; 8 p.m. Fri.; 2 p.m. Sun. Sacramento Community Center Theatre, 1301 L St., Sacramento. $21-$163. (916) 808-5181.

Almost anyone can become a musician in this no-pressure setting. People can borrow a ukulele and learn to play along on this tiny four-string acoustic instrument. 6 p.m. Round Table Pizza, 10952 Trinity Parkway. Free. (209) 598-3682.

Theater: "Arsenic and Old Lace"

"Some old plays can be dated, but this doesn't seem so at all," said Matt Saculla, 24, unfamiliar with this 1939 play, that was made into a 1944 movie, until playing a part in it. "Young people can see it and relate to it. Any time you have comedy with all this stuff going on, it will attract young and old." The premise of Joseph Kesselring's play with its cast of 13: two elderly sisters decide to put single, older men out of their misery by poisoning them with elderberry wine. 7:30 p.m.; also 7:30 p.m. Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. That's Showbiz, 1744 Pacific Ave., Stockton. $10-$15. (209) 938-0447, brownpapertickets.com.

Music: Stockton Master Chorale

In "Songs of Love & Laughter," these veterans combine with the more-novice Stockton Singers, students from San Joaquin Delta College. 7:30 p.m., Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, 1055 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi. $20-25; $5 students/children. (209) 951-6494.

Music: Ron Hacker

Stockton's AJ Joyce plays bass and Ronnie Smith handles the drums in support of this veteran San Francisco blues-rocker who titled his 2007 autography "White Trash Bluesman." His latest CD was recorded live at San Francisco's Biscuits & Blues. 8 p.m. 157 W. Adams St., Stockton. $10. (209) 464-2739.

Music: Amit Peled

In the final "classics" concert of its 2013-14 season, the Stockton Symphony features Peled - he once played basketball in Israel - as he solos during Robert Schumann's Cello Concerto. The 6-foot-5 Peled plays Pablo Casals' 1700 Andrea Guarneri instrument. Peter Jaffe also conducts the orchestra during Giacomo Rossini's "Overture to William Tell" and Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 9. 6 p.m. Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College. $22-$57. (209) 951-0196.

Original compositions and music played during their recitals is featured as University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music students Llinli Wang, Jan de la Cruz and Yasha Yachnid perform. 7 p.m. Emerson Coffee House, Unitarian Universalist Church, 2737 Pacific Ave. Stockton, $10; $5, students. (209) 466-7743.

Music: Trio 180

These University of the Pacific professors reprise "Wave," written for them in 2009 by University of California, Berkeley's Cindy Cox. The first movement is constructed around a small circular ... fragment. The harmony gradually takes shape in a revolving motion above and below the central melody and builds into large complexes of sonorities. The second ... beats a periodic heart (motif) with a melodic idea ... repeating over and over in different regions ... toward a large climax." They also play Astor Piazzolla's "Primavera Portena" and Robert Schumann's Piano Trio No. 1. 7:30 p.m. Wed. Recital Hall, University of the Pacific. $5-$8. (209) 946-2415.

One of the world's most popular musicals, this production set during the French Revolution is based on Victor Hugo's 1852 novel. Jean Valjean is portrayed by Cliff McCormick while Eric Jon Mahlum plays Javert. 2 p.m. Sun. also 7 p.m. Thurs.-Fri.; 2 and 8 p.m.; Sat.; Sierra Repertory Theatre, 13891 Mono Way, Sonora. $18-$32. (209) 532-3120.